LUCKNOW, Feb. 2 -- The Union Budget 2026-27 places strong emphasis on startups and small businesses, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, and is aligned with the vision of making the state a $1 trillion economy, experts said on Sunday. They noted that the budget has also laid stress on boosting industry, manufacturing and small businesses, unveiling a series of new schemes, higher infrastructure spending and targeted support for startups and MSMEs. While the announcements signal intent to accelerate economic growth, industry experts cautioned that the success of the budget will depend largely on timely execution and effective implementation on the ground. Vinayak Nath, member of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), said, "The budget places strong emphasis on startups and small businesses, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. The state has emerged as the second-largest startup ecosystem in the country, with over 40,000 startups currently operational." Nath said the focus on MSMEs, startups and home-based industries reflects a clear policy direction, aligned with chief minister Yogi Adityanath's Vision 2030 of making Uttar Pradesh a $1 trillion economy. "The goal is ambitious but achievable if policy support continues and processes are simplified," he said. Sarvesh Goel, chairman of the Mansingh Goel Group, said the Union Budget 2026-27 aligns closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat. He said the government has managed to keep the fiscal deficit under control. htc...